I Guess I’m Making a Commitment
I’m generally very commitment averse. I tried to convince my husband that we could live together without having to get married (obviously since I call him husband you see how well I made that argument) and I don’t like to shop for clothing for fear it will go out of style thirty seconds after my Debit card is swiped.
There are a myriad of other small examples of how I fear commitment but I’m sparing you the psycho-babble portion of the program to bring you news.
At Barnes & Noble over the weekend, with birthday money, I purchased the 2009 Writer’s Market
With its noble silver cover and one-year subscription to the Writer’s Market online, this is my way of saying, “World, I may not think you’re ready for this jelly – but we will see!” Crappy song lyrics aside, I want to see if I can come out of hiding from behind the company that has been really lucrative over the past few months and try to break into writing for dead trees.
There are a few reasons for this:
Portfolio Reasons
The work I do currently does not include a byline, credit, or my name in lights. While this does not bother me and I’d have no problem with a newspaper putting someone else’s name on my work, there is a pay to recognition difference. If my name isn’t on it, I’d like to get paid as if it were. Hey, a girl can dream.
Personal Reasons
As I’ve mentioned before, my great-grandmother thinks the Internet is a fad. As such, telling her you can find me on the Chicago Sun Times Online holds no water with her. Since she raised me and I want to make her proud, I want to hand her a newspaper or magazine she’s heard of and say, “Look ma! No hands!” Or some other cute quip that makes her realize that what I’m doing is professional writing.
Building the Book Platform
Even though most of the people I talk to about the book feel that I have an amazing platform, I want to make it more robust by being able to scan little pieces of paper (clips) for the website I’m building rather than put links to stuff online. While links online are super-important, everyone still has a love of dead-tree publications (including me) and being in one or a few will really boost my perceived value as both a speaker and an author.
So I’m going to spend a few sweltering summer nights getting acquainted with my new one true love and we’ll see where it goes. I saw in the sample query letter section that I’m actually doing a few things wrong, but they’re minor and easily fixable. Since I haven’t sent any actual queries out yet (except this one…I don’t know what happened to it…) I’m not too worried that I may have burned all my bridges.
If you’re looking to get some publicity I’d like to recommend a fantastic website called Help a Reporter Out (HARO) – not only have I found a query to submit myself as an expert for, there are LOTS of calls for queries every day. Nothing helps a small business, or anyone really, like seeing your name in lights. Go and join as an expert (or a reporter if that’s what you are!) and you will receive three e-mails a day with queries. (This isn’t an affiliate link, because the service is free!)
Are you a freelance writer? Do you have any advice? I’d love a link to a good online blog or website dedicated to awesome query letters. Asking strangers for love is not my strong suit. I get to know them a little first (you know, the networking thing) but that’s not how this works.
I love learning new things!
Comments
5 Responses to “I Guess I’m Making a Commitment”
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Yep – I’m a Joiner!
Jenny,
You have to read the Renegade Writer, and check out her blog, too. Also, the Renegade Writer’s Query Letters that Rock. Those will get you started in an awesome way.
My personal advice, knowing you, is let your personality shine through while still being professional.
(Gee, where did THAT advice come from?) LOL Seriously, it’s just like personal networking.
You are such a strong and fun woman, who would NOT want to hire you?
<3 Dawn
Dawns last blog post..90 Minutes in the Morning
See, when I’m having a huge ego day I feel the same way (re: who would not want to hire me) but then I fear that my lack of journalism school might shine through.
We shall see.
Thank you for the link to the Renegade Writer. Silly title, but sounds like it might be right up my alley. You rock!
I found the Renegade Writer about 2 weeks ago, interesting how things come back around via all this social media stuff. Good for you with the Writer’s Market. It does feel so very empowering to hold such a wealth of information in your hands. “There is NO reason I can’t do this…with all this resource??? Come on, I’m ready!” Keep it up girl, I’m with grandma, love to see your name in print
Way cool Jenny!!! I can’t wait to see how this turns out for you… and seeing as I’ve followed you for a while… it can only be GOOD
Here’s another resource to check out:
http://filbertpublishing.com/
Her e-zine is full of great advice for freelancers – and paying markets too I believe
Have fun!
Jenn Givlers last blog post..Do you have newsletter fears?
@Paula – Right back atcha sister – I want to see YOUR name in print too. Wanna race? LOL
@Jenn – Thanks for the encouragement. You are seriously one of the most positive encouraging people I know. Thanks for the link!